Camp056 - Lake Manyara National Park
Camp056 - Lake Manyara National Park - an encounter with the tree climbing lions!
The beautiful Lake Manyara National Park is at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and comprises of a diverse range of habitats ranging from the rift wall, ground water forest, acacia woodlands, open grasslands, the shore of the soda lake and finally, the lake itself. Entrance to the park is via the village of Mto wa Mbu, 130 km from Arusha, along the rift wall. The park often appears to be in a heat haze created by the lake and lake attracts considerable birdlife. Sometimes, the lake is rendered pink by the migratory flamingoes. Lake Manyara also plays home to pelicans and many other bird species. Elephant, hippo, monkey, leopard and bushbuck are found in the unique groundwater forest. Closer to the vast lake, flat-topped acacia trees and open grassland are host to plains species and the famous tree-climbing Manyara lions. Its surrounding terrain contains such a rich mosaic of different habitats that it supports a large number of animals.
Like most Rift Valley lakes, the water is alkaline. This attracts vast flocks of flamingos, which form pink foam against a silver background of water. There are numerous water birds in the area, including storks and pelicans that waddle around next to short grasses on the shore of the lake. The park is a bird lover's haven with a variety (350 species) of local species inhabiting the forest and bush. The best time to observe these birds is in the late afternoon and early morning.
Lake Manyara National Park provides sanctuary to a variety of animals like the gazelle, impala, buffalo, wildebeest, hyena, baboon, giraffe and hippo. Manayara is also known for its tree-climbing lions.
Lake Manyara Tanzania and the areas outside the park has become a hub for active adventure guests where many stop over to enjoy activities such as horse riding, abseiling, mountain biking, canoeing and nature walk safaris.
Safari Suggestions to this destination
Safari Suggestions as follows
Other Suggested Destinations
Highlights
- Largest National park in Africa (4 times size of Serengeti).
- Large game concentrations including huge herds of buffalo, elephant and large wild dog population.
- Experience untouched Africa at its wildest.
- The only park in Kenya or Tanzania where game viewing can be done by car, on foot or by boat.
